Three dimensional and/or time sequence x-ray apparatus

ABSTRACT

X-ray apparatus including a cradle or platform unit, X-ray recording unit and an X-ray source. The cradle unit supports a patient and provides for rotating the same about a horizontal axis through an arc either clockwise or counterclockwise. The cradle is driven by a motor. The recording unit includes a casette and a casette support in which is located part of a control unit. The casette includes a part which selectively operates switches controlling, at least partially, the taking of three-dimensional or action sequence X-rays. These switches select panels on a rotatable drum which are constituted by two groups respectively controlling operation of the cradle motor and the duration of the X-ray exposure. The aforesaid drum is driven by a motor through the intermediary of a slip clutch with which is associated a cam having the purpose of causing relative movement between a film and grid in the recording unit to provide for recording a sequence of exposures on adjacent strips of the film. The drum is either automatically operated or alternatively is stepped through a sequence of operations under manual or operator control.

United States Patent Fouquart [54] THREE DIMENSIONAL AND/OR TIMESEQUENCE X-RAY APPARATUS [72] Inventor: John Jacques Fouquart,Northport, N.Y.

Photosystems Corporation, Hauppauge, NY.

[22] Filed: Nov.5, 1970 [21] Appl.No.: 87,168

[73] Assignee:

2,518,884 8/1950 Guentner et al.. 1,573,571 2/1926 Pohl ..250/552,029,300 2/1936 Arfsten ..250/6l X Primary E.\'aminerWilliam F.Lindquist Attorney-Posnack, Roberts and Cohen June 20, 1972 [57]ABSTRACT X-ray apparatus including a cradle or platform unit, X-rayrecording unit and an X-ray source. The cradle unit supports a patientand provides for rotating the same about a horizontal axis through anare either clockwise or counterclockwise. The cradle is driven by amotor. The recording unit includes a casette and a casette support inwhich is located part of a control unit. The casette includes a partwhich selectively operates switches controlling, at least partially, thetaking of three-dimensional or action sequence X-rays. These switchesselect panels on a rotatable drum which are constituted by two groupsrespectively controlling operation of the cradle motor and the durationof the X-ray exposure. The aforesaid drum is driven by a motor throughthe intermediary of a slip clutch with which is associated a cam havingthe purpose of causing relative movement between a film and grid in therecording unit to provide for recording a sequence of exposures onadjacent strips of the film. The drum is either automatically operatedor alternatively is stepped through a sequence of operations undermanual or operator control.

12 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures Patented June 20, 1972 9 Sheets-Sheet 1FIG./

INVHVI'OR JOHN FOUQUART ATTORNEYS Patented June 20, 1972 3,671,745

9 Sheets-Sheet 2 X-PAY I M? SOURCE INVENTOR. JOHN FOUQUART BY wwflbuATTORNEYS 9 Sheets-Sheet :5

FIG.3

[\VHJTOR. JOHN FOUQUART Patented June 20, 1972 3,671,745

9 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN! l "FOR. JOHN QUART Mmww NITORNEYS Patented June 20,1972 FIG/2 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 8% FIG. A

INVENTOR. JOHN FOUQUART Patented June 20, 1972 3,671,745

9 Sheets-Sheet 8 FIG/6 doazrssw A TTORXE Y5 IN v E 'r or: JOHN FOUQUARTMr ATTORNEYS Patented June 20, 1972 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 BY M THREEDIMENSIONAL AND/R TIME SEQUENCE X- RAY APPARATUS BACKGROUND 1. Field ofInvention 1 This invention relates to X-ray apparatus and moreparticularly to apparatus adapted for the production ofthree-dimensional X-rays, action sequence X-rays and the like.

Prior Art Apparatus is known for the production of stereoscopic X- rayimages such as, for example, the apparatus disclosed in British Pat. No.449,213 granted to Etienne Piot. X-ray stereo shift mechanisms are alsoknown as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,518,884 (R. L. Guentneret al.). Techniques for making stereoscopic X-ray pictures also appearin US. Pat. No. 1,447,399 (L.W. Pease). US. Pat. No. 2,208,215 (P.Gonzales Rincones) discloses techniques relating to stereoscopicfluoroscopy.

Other patents relating to stereoscopic X-ray photographs and the likeinclude US. Pat. Nos. 2,046,543, 1,992,894, Reissue No. 21,964,2,521,154, 2,468,963, 3,244,878, 3,004,159, 2,712,608 and variousothers. The above noted devices are, however, limited in use becausethey fail to prorespectively intended to control cradle rotationstarting time and the commencement of exposure time. The controlswitches referred to hereinabove operated by the casette select specificof these channels which in turn control circuits related to the cradlemotor or operation of the X-ray source or generator. The drum is drivenby a drum motor through the intermediary of a slip clutch with which isassociated a cam and vide convenient techniques which facilitate thetaking of three-dimensional X-rays or action sequence X-rays or the likeand because they require highly developed technical skills for purposesof operation and in order to obtain acceptable results.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provideimproved apparatus for the taking of three-dimensional X-rays, actionsequence X-rays and the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved X- ray apparatusof the above noted type adapted for providing extreme convenience in theprocessing of patients.

Still another object of the invention is to provide improved X-rayapparatus of the above noted type which is selectively automatic oroperator controlled and in which the various parameters essential to theprovision of acceptable X-rays can be automatically established. 7

In achieving the above and other of the objects of the invention, thereis provided an X-ray apparatus comprising generally a source of X-rays,recording means to record a radiographic image, a platform or cradlelocated between the source and recording means to support'a subject orpatient therebetween and displacement means to enable the platform orcradle to be rotated about an axis of rotation during exposure of thesubject to X-rays.

As will be seen hereinafter, the axis of rotation referred to above ispreferably a horizontal axis and the patient or object is suspended at acontrollable distance relative thereto, the patient or subject beingselectively rotated clockwise or counterclockwise depending upon thetype of views desired (e.g., from the tube side or the film side).

In further accordance with the invention, control means are providedwhich are coupled to the source and recording means to enable a sequenceof exposures to be made during movement of the platform.

According to a feature of the invention, the recording means include acasette detachably supported upon a support in which is located controlcircuitry. The casette is provided with a portion suitably cooperatingwith control switch operators such that when the casette is placed intoposition various operating parameters of the apparatus are convenientlyestablished.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, the casette isprovided with a grid and an associated X-ray film between which relativedisplacement is possible. This relative displacement is provided inconvenient manner, as will hereinafter be explained. 7

Further control means provided in accordance with the invention includea drum including two groups of channels cam follower capable offunctioning to displace the film and grid relatively as referred tohereinabove.

The slip clutch is provided with a plurality of radially extended pinsor the like, the interception of which by a solenoid controlled tripindependently blocks rotation of the aforenoted drum thereby bringingthe grid and film to relative ly fixed positions at which pointexposures can be made.

The above and other further features of the invention will be found inthe following detailed description of a preferred embodiment asillustrated in the accompanying drawing.

DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cradle unit, a recording unitand an X-ray source provided in accordance with the invention, therebeing illustrated a patient located in the cradle unit;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the cradle unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the recording unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the cassette and casettesupport of the unit in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates the control panel;

FIG. 6 diagrammatically illustrates electrical connections between thevarious units of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the casette referred to above;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the cassette;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the casette;

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of the casette illustrating the filmtherein;

FIG. 11 diagrammatically illustrates the film and grid of the casette,and indicates how the film is displaced relative to the grid;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a slip clutch unit by means of which cradlerotation starting time, exposure starting time and relative displacementbetween the grid and film is controlled;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the unit of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an end view of the unit of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is another side view of the unit of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is another end view of the unit of unit of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the circuitry through which the results ofthe invention are achieved and by means of which the aforesaid units areinterconnected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The X-ray apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 comprisesa cradle or platform unit 20, a source 22 of X-rays, and a recordingunit 24.

The source 22 may be any conventional X-ray source adapted forconnection to the system to be described hereinafter.

Cradle or platform unit 20 consists of end sections 26 and 28 mounted onfeet 30 and including cradle or platform 32 rotatable in clockwise orcounterclockwise direction by means of controls to be indicatedhereinafter. One of the end units 26 or 28 houses part of the controlcircuitry of the invention and the other houses a motor suitable forrotating the platform 32 about a horizontal axis.

Unit 24 includes a stand 34 from which projects an arm 36 supporting thecasette support 38.

It will be readily appreciated from what has been stated hereinabovethat the units are comparatively mobile and relatively adjustable withrespect to each other so that it is quite convenient to X-ray any partof a patient or subject located on platform 32.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the platform unit 20 provides that theplatform 32 be suspended by suspensions 40 and 42 with the height ofplatform 32 being rendered adjustable by adjustment control 44.Thismeans that the radius of rotation of platform 32 relative to thehorizontal axis defined by pivots 46 is adjustable. The platform 32 ismoreover provided with a plurality of straps 48 by means of which apatient or subject can be strapped into position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the position 34 referred to hereinabove with arm 36supporting casette support 38. On top of the casette support 38 appearsthe detachable cassette 50, the details of which will appearhereinafter. Mobility of unit 24 is assured by the provision of wheels52, the height of arm 36 being adjustable under control of lock 54.Casette support 38 is pivotable into vertical position under the controlof lock 55.

FIG. 4 illustrates the casette and the casette support with greaterparticularity and shows mount elements 60, 62, 64 and 66, as well aswindow 68, through which the X-ra'ys penetrate to record a radiographicimage on the film in the casette. Elements 70 and 72 are locating pins.Pins 74 include the actuators for interlock switches as well as otheractuators 74, reference to which will be made hereinafter.

The cassette 50 is provided with a handle 80 to facilitate carrying ofthe same, the parameters established by cassette 50-being listed on anyplate 82. A control 84 is provided on the casette support, this controlbeing a control for the speed of the cradle motor referred tohereinabove.

The control channel 90 illustrated in FIG. provides for automatic andmanual mode. A reset button 92 provides for resetting the programmingunit under manual mode, and indicator 94 provides for indicating theinitiating of an exposure. Buttons 96 indicate the length of cyclesoccurring during the operation such as, for example, the stepping of thefilm from one position to the next relative to the associated grid andthe effecting of an exposure. Control 98 provides for selectingautomaticor inanual operation and for indicating a clockwise orcounterclockwise rotation of the platform or cradle as selected by theoperator. Button 100 provides simply for the connecting in of a powersource. v

FIG. 6diagrarnmatically illustrates platform unit 211, recording unit24, X-ray source 22 and control channel 90. Cable 102 connects thecontrol channel toXray" source 22. Cable 104 connects channel 90 torecording unit 24. Cable 1116 connects record unit 24 to cradle-orplatform unit 20. I

F IGS. 7-10 illustrate the details of the casette $0 referred toh'ereinabove. The casette S0 is made of a structurally strong frameprovided'as noted above with handle 80 havin g a window 68 throughwhichX-rays penetrate for purposes oi'exposing the film within thecasette. The frame has a lip 110 through which are perforated acodedarrangement of holes occupying some of the positions indicated at 112.From what has been stated hereinabove, it will appear thatthose switchactuators coinciding with holes in lip 110 will not be depressed whenthe casette 50 is moved into position, whereas the remaining actuatorswill be depressed to actuate the corresponding switches (not shown).

On the bottom of the casette is provided a slot 114 within which islocated the slanted cam surface 116. When the casette 50 is placed intoposition on the casette support a rod extending from the casette supportenters into the slot 114 and displacement of this rod along the lengthof the slot 114 will operate to engage the cam surface 116 to serve apurpose which will be indicated below.

Referring also to FIG. 10, it is seen that a film 118 suited for X-rayexposure is accommodated within a grid envelope such as that indicatedat 120 in FIG. 11. The grid envelope is fixed in position by clamp 122,whereas the end 124 of the film is clamped against a holder 126 byclamping member 128.

Element 126 is attached to member 130 in which is formed cam surface116. It thus results that movement of the aforesaid rod in slot 114 willdisplace element 126 in the direction indicated by arrow 132 whereuponfilm 118 will be displaced in the same direction. v V

Clamp 126 is indicated diagrammatically in FIG. 11 along with arrow 132,it appearing therefrom that the film 118 may be withdrawn from theenvelope under the control mechanism referred to above.

In accordance with known stereoscopic techniques and the like gridenvelope 120 is provided with slots 134 by means of which selectivestrip-like exposures of film 1 18 are effected to provide in turn forthree-dirnensional or action sequence techniques, or the like. From acomparison of FIGS. 1, 3, 9 and 11, it can be noted that the grid slots(i.e., those portions which are permeable to the X-rays) are parallel tothe axis of rotation of platform 32.

Before examining the details of FIGS. 12-16, reference is first made tothe block diagram of FIG. 17, wherein appears the casette 50 and the lip110 thereof which selectively displaces switch actuators in turncontrolling switches 142 diagrammatically indicated.

Also appearing in FIG. 17 are the X-ray generator or source 22, cradlemotor 144 and grid drive 146 (it should be noted that either the grid orthe film may be displaced), which generally indicates the mechanism bywhich relative displacement is effected between the X-ray film and thegrid envelope.

FIG. 17 illustrates a source 148 of power for cradle motor 144, speedcontrol 84 (see also FIG. 4) and start position select 150.

The circuit moreover involves slip clutch 152, the details of whichappear in FIGS. 12-16, drum 154, drum motor 156 and power source 158therefor.

To control slip clutch 152 there are provided a clutch control 160 andmanual control and stepper 162.

The drum 154 is a commercially available program controlled drum of wellknown type, the function of which is to control one or more circuits forselected periods of time dependent upon the speed of rotation of thedrum. The drum may contain a plurality of channels as is well known,each of which is adapted to control the operation of an associatedcircuit. The drum 154 is provided with a first plurality of drum,channels indicated at 170 and bearing the notation cradle rotationstarting time select channels. A second plurality of channels 172 isindicated, these bearing the notation exposure time start channels. Onechannel of each of these groups is selected by switches under thecontrol of casette 50 upon a locating of the latter on the casettesupport. The selected channel of group 170 controls power source 148 andtherebythe'starting time of the rotation of the cradle driven by motor144. Control 84 controls the speed of rotation of motor 144 and selectcontrol150 provides for operator adjustment of the position of thecradle at the start of the operation.

The selected channel from group 172 operates through timer durationcontrol 174 to initiate the generation of X-rays by generator 22 and theduration for which the exposure is to last.

As stated hereinabove, clutch control is provided for slip clutch 152.This control is a well known two-step switch which operates through line176 to prime X-ray generator 122 and thereby allow the same to come upto operating conditions before an attempt is made to effect an exposureand also operates via line 178 to connect drum 154 to motor 156. Forautomatic operation the drum will make one complete 360 circle and willefiect all of the controls in the selected channels of groups and 172.For manual control, the stepper 162 is employed and the drum 154 willstep from one angularly displaced position to the next as enabled to doso by operator control.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-16, there is seen a solenoid 190.

This solenoid controls the position of pin 192 which when it protrudes,assumes a position of interference with radially protruding pins 194.For automatic operation, solenoid is operated and pin 192 is withdrawnuntil the mechanism to be described hereinafter exclusive of the slipclutch, makes a complete circle. For manual operation, pin 192 is onlytemporarily withdrawn to permit one pin 194 to escape past pin 192 whichthen is re-extended to occupy a position of interference to interceptthe next sequential radial pin 194.

The slip clutch itself is indicated at 196. Its function is to couplethe input shaft connected to motor 156 to the output shaft connected todrum 154. Encircling this clutch is a cam 200 against which is urged acam follower 202 under the pressure of spring 204. As the clutch andtherefore drum 154 are rotated, the can follower moves upwardly alongcam surface 200 carrying therealong rod 206. This rod is the rod whichhas been referred to hereinabove as extending into slot 114 (FIG. 9) andthereby has the function of displacing the film relative to the gridenvelope in which it is housed.

In operation, a patient is placed on the cradle or platform 32 and isstrapped into position. The start position select is operated by theoperator who may select clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of theplatform. At this-time the operator may also select the radius ofrotation of the platform relative to the horizontal axis about whichrotation is to take place.

This operation presupposes the loading of a casette 50 into itsappropriate position on support 38. Automatic or manual modes ofoperation may be selected by use of control panel 90.

The conventional X-ray generator switch 160 is operated. This iseffective in slip clutch 152 to withdraw pin 192 and permit rotation ofdrum 154.

On drum 154 appropriate selection has been made of channels 170 and 172through operation of switches 142. The speed of cradle motor 144 isselected by operation of speed control 84 (FIGS. 4 and 17).

For manual mode, drum 154 commences rotation. Power from source 148 issupplied to motor 144 under the control of one of the channels 170.Timer durationcontrol 174 is actuated under the control of one ofchannels 172; Thus, the cradle is rotated and an exposure initiated.This exposure is, however, delayed by appropriate design of drum 154 sothat the cradle can reach a position ofrest so that the exposure can bemade while the patient is also stationary. 1

Grid drive 146, which is actuallyrod 206 of FIGS. 1246', is moved underthe control of clutch 152 so that appropriate selection is made of amultitude of parallel strips on film 118 for the recording of astereoptic X-ray image or action sequence image according to knowntechniques.

From what has been stated above, it will be seen that X-ray apparatus ofthe invention includes a source'of X-rays, recording means to record aradiographic image, a platform or cradle between the source andrecording means and displacement means to enable the platform to rotateabout a horizontal axis of rotation during a period in which the subjectis exposed to X-rays. It has been shown thatthe cradle or platform isdisplaced through an arc clockwise or counterclockwise selectively. Ithas also been shown that the radius of the platform relative to its axisof rotation is adjustable. A feature of the invention as discussedhereinabove is the use of a casette support and a replaceable casettewhich serves to interact with and program a control which is coupled tothe source and recording means to enable a sequence of exposures to bemade during displacement of the cradle or platform.

For automatic mode, a casette is placed on support 38. The choice of aparticular casette is made by referring to plate 82. After the casetteis in position, the choice may be confirmed by pressing correspondingbutton 96. Button 98 is pressed for automatic mode. The trigger for theXray source is then depressed and the film drive starts. Cradle rotationstarts, for

example, about one second later. The X-ray tube fires in a continuous orpulsed mode depending on the casette employed. Thereafter, the tubestops firing and the cradle stops.

be displaced about an axis of rotation and control means coupled to saidsource and recording means to enable a sequence of exposures to be madeduring movement of said platform about said axis, said recording meansincluding a casette support and a replaceable casette including means tointeract with and program said control means; said casette including agrid and Xray responsive film and means to displace the grid and filmrelative to each other, said control means including means tosynchronize the displacement of the grid and film with rotation of theplatform, said grid having X-ray permeable slots which are parallel tosaid axis of rotation.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said displacement meansincludes means to enable said platform to be rotated through an areselectively towards or away from said source.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising means to adjust the radiusbetween said platform and axis.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said platform is anelongated bed-like structure including straps to hold a patient thereon.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said support is a mobilestand.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising means for adjusting thepositions of the recording means and source relative to the platform andrelative to each other.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein control means includes meansto operate said source periodically and means to synchronize therelative movement of the grid and film and the operation of said source.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said control means includes arotatable drum including a first plurality of channels to control saiddisplacement means to select platform rotation starting time and asecond plurality of channels to control said source with respect toexposure time, and switch means to select said channels, said casetteincluding means to control said switch means.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 comprising a power source forrotating said drum, a slip clutch connecting said power source to saiddrum, a cam and cam follower connected to said slip clutch, said recordmeans including means operated by the cam follower to effect relativedisplacement between the film and grid.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the latter said meansincludes a pin and groove arrangement coupled to the film or grid todisplace the same.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 comprising a plurality of radiallyextending pins coupled to said clutch and a solenoid including a pindisplaceable into a position of interference with the laterallyextending pins to decouple the power source from the drum.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the grid is located on bothsides of said film.

1. X-ray apparatus comprising a source of X-rays, recording means torecord a radiographic image, a platform between said source and saidrecording means to support a subject therebetween displacement means toenable said platform to be displaced about an axis of rotation andcontrol means coupled to said source and recording means to enable asequence of exposures to be made during movement of said platform aboutsaid axis, said recording means including a casette support and areplaceable casette including means to interact with and program saidcontrol means; said casette including a grid and X-ray responsive filmand means to displace the grid and film relative to each other, saidcontrol means including means to synchronize the displacement of thegrid and film with rotation of the platform, said grid having X-raypermeable slots which are parallel to said axis of rotation. 2.Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said displacement meansincludes means to enable said platform to be rotated through an arcselectively towards or away from said source.
 3. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 1 comprising means to adjust the radius between said platform andaxis.
 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said platform is anelongated bed-like structure including straps to hold a patient thereon.5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said support is a mobilestand.
 6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising means for adjustingthe positions of the recording means and source relative to the platformand relative to each other.
 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, whereincontrol means includes means to operate said source periodically andmeans to synchronize the relative movement of the grid and film and theoperation of said source.
 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid control means includes a rotatable drum including a first pluralityof channels to control said displacement means to select platformrotation starting time and a second plurality of channels to controlsaid source with respect to exposure time, and switch means to selectsaid channels, said casette including means to control said switchmeans.
 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 comprising a power source forrotating said drum, a slip clutch connecting said power source to saiddrum, a cam and cam follower connected to said slip clutch, said recordmeans including means operated by the cam follower to effect relAtivedisplacement between the film and grid.
 10. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the latter said means includes a pin and groovearrangement coupled to the film or grid to displace the same. 11.Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 comprising a plurality of radiallyextending pins coupled to said clutch and a solenoid including a pindisplaceable into a position of interference with the laterallyextending pins to decouple the power source from the drum.
 12. Apparatusas claimed in claim 1 wherein the grid is located on both sides of saidfilm.